My heart cracks in two, and shoving the car door open, I get out and run across the street. I take the stairs two at a time, and using the key I had made for myself, I unlock the door and dart inside.

I come up behind Ariana and wrap my arms around her to keep her from destroying anything else. Heartbreaking sobs tear from her as she sinks back against me, not even putting up a fight. I crouch down with her, and taking hold of her face, I turn her to me. There’s no recognition in her eyes that looks feverish, as if she’s lost her mind.

Pulling the injection out of my pocket, I use my teeth to remove the cap, and then I inject her with a sedative. I put the cap back on and pocket the empty syringe. Pushing my arms beneath her back and knees, I lift her to my chest as I rise to my feet.

Walking to the front door, I press a kiss to her clammy forehead and whisper, “Shh, Malyshka. Sleep. I’ve got you.”

I shut the front door behind me and carry her down to the SUV. After laying her down on the back seat and slipping behind the steering wheel, I pull out my phone and dial Alexei’s number.

He answers within seconds. “Everything okay?”

“I’m taking Ariana back to the island. Tell Nikhil.”

“Okay. So you’re working things out?”

“We will,” I mutter, and then I end the call.

Come hell or high water, we will. This madness ends now.

I drive to the private airfield and carry Ariana onto the plane. After getting her settled in a seat, I strap her in and press another kiss on her forehead. I take a deep breath of her soft scent and then close the door before settling behind the controls.

I feel calm during the flight and boat ride to the island. I take Ariana to my bedroom and then set up an IV to get some nutrition into her body.

Standing back, I stare down at her, and then the anger begins to bubble in my chest.

Why the fuck did you do this?

As my anger for her keeps increasing, I stalk to my closet and change into a pair of sweatpants before heading to the gym so I can punch something.

I lay into a punching bag, pushing my body to the max as I try to calm down.

We will fucking stay on this island until Ariana comes to her senses.

There’s no more running.

No more chasing.

She will never leave my fucking side again.

I slow down, and taking a step back, I catch my breath.

I said I wouldn’t force her, but fuck that. Ariana no longer has a choice.

Going back to the bedroom, I take a shower and then bring a chair up from the entertainment room. Placing it next to the bed, I sit down and watch Ariana sleep.